Rajnath off to Russia for Victory Day military parade
The parade will commemorate the 75th anniversary of victory in the World War-II
New Delhi, June 19
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia and be present at the Victory Day military parade at Red Square, Moscow on June 24.
The visit comes in the backdrop of the Indian Air Force looking to buy additional MiG 29 and Sukhoi 30 fighter jets. The visit also comes amid a ‘war-like' situation when in India and China are locked in a tense situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
In addition to attending the parade as representative of India, Rajnath Singh would meet the top officials of the Russian Federation during his visit, the sources said.
The parade will commemorate the 75th anniversary of victory in the World War-II. India is a key ally of Russia and before that, the Soviet Union.
From India, a tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces comprising 75 personnel, led by a Colonel-rank officer, will participate in the parade.
The marching contingent taking part in the Parade will be led by a Major-rank officer of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. The Regiment had fought in the World War-II and has the distinction of earning four Battle Honours and two Military Cross amongst other gallantry awards.
Many Indians, who took part with the British Indian Armed Forces during the World War-II, were one of the largest Allied Forces contingents which took part in the North and East African Campaign, Western Desert Campaign and the European Theatre against the allies.
More than 87,000 men had lost their lives.
